DAHLONEGA — On a big day for UNG Athletics, the No
. 24
University of North Georgia christened the new Convocation Center with a 105-52 win over Georgia Southwestern Saturday afternoon.
The first basket ever scored in the Convocation Center was a defining moment in Nighthawk history, and an even more special moment for senior
Julie McKie who was the first UNG player to score off back-to-back layups to start the game. Senior
Deana Blankinship was the second UNG player to score with back-to-back layups of her own, putting North Georgia up early, 8-0.
Vanessa Agrusa,
Abbie Franklin, and
Julianne Sutton performances extended the lead to 20-10 in the first. The Nighthawks pulled away in the second quarter, with Sutton scoring first with a layup and
Maddie Hetzel behind her with a three.
Imani Arnold saw some action on the court with her first basket in the Convocation Center to extend the lead, 46-17.
The Nighthawks continued to pull away in the fourth to beat the Hurricanes.
Jazmin Smith scored UNG's 100
th point of the game to make it their highest score of the season. Arnold tacked on two more free throws to give North Georgia the 105-52 win. This win puts UNG at 24-4 overall, 19-3 in the Peach Belt Conference.
It was an emotional Saturday for the UNG community with the opening of the Convocation Center and Homecoming 2018 festivities that included performances from the Boar's Head Brigade Patriot Choir, Color Guard, Saber Arch, Loyal Blue Pep Band, the Nighthawk Drumline, followed by a presentation of the Seniors, honoring their final season as a Nighthawk.
NOTES
-
Deana Blankinship was the top scorer and Impact Player of the day for UNG finishing in a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. She finished just short of a triple-double, adding seven assists.
- Three other UNG players finished in double figures:
Julianne Sutton (16),
Amber Skidgel (12), and
Imani Arnold (11).
- UNG had 60 bench points in the contest.
NEXT UP
The women's basketball team will advance to the PBC Quarterfinals. Tip-off is set for Wednesday, February 28, at 6:00 p.m. in the Convocation Center against UNC Pembroke.